Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

by
Hewitt, Paul G.

Published by
Addison-Wesley

ISBN 10:
0321909100

ISBN 13:
978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 6 - Think and Explain: 47

Answer

Less force is necessary to stop a falling climber if his/her momentum is decreased over a long time. A stretchy rope gradually stops the climber and reduces the impact force.
The impulse required to stop the falling climber is the same, and providing it requires either a large force and a short time interval, or a small force over a long time interval. The latter is preferred.